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The Environmental Impact of Soil Pollution on Human Health

Gourav Mittal

Abstract


Soils are shaped by the decomposition of rock and organic matter over several years. Soil properties vary from place to place with difference in bedrock composition, climate and other factors. Certain chemical elements occur naturally in soils as components of minerals, yet may be toxic at some concentration. Various other potentially harmful substance may end up mixing with soils through human activities. This may lead to soil contamination which in turn is responsible for negative health effects on humans. Soil contaminants causes various health problems from cancer (arsenic, asbestos, dioxins), to neurological damage and lower IQ (lead, arsenic), kidney disease (lead, mercury. cadmium). Mainly heavy metals and persistent organic chemical are of particular concern. Human activities introduce heavy metals to soil through mining, smelting, industry, agriculture and burning fossil fuels.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.37628/jgget.v3i2.280

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